With fine golden sand studded with infamous graffiti-decorated WWII bunkers and the foothills of the Pyrenees as a backdrop, Capbreton is a surf photographer’s dream. Add to that consistent swell, hot summer sun and pumping beachbreaks that deliver perfect tube after perfect tube and you have a surf holiday destination that should be well up there on your list.

Capbreton Surf Camps

Stay at a surf camp and take your surfing to the next level, discover Capbreton’s beaches, have fun and hang out with like-minded people.

The Best Time of Year to go Surfing in Capbreton

You get good waves all year round in Capbreton, but if you had to pick the best time of year, most surfers would probably say September, October and November. The water’s still nice and warm, the lineups are less crowded and the swell’s more consistent and a bit more punchy than in the height of summer. The next best time for most people is May and June, the water’s warming up – a 3:2 or even a shortie wetsuit is fine, there’s frequently good waves and the tourist hoards have yet to arrive.

July and August is great for learning to surf as the Capbreton surf schools are in full swing and generally speaking the waves are friendlier than at any other time of the year.

From December to March you can expect big, punchy barrelling waves and lots of water moving around with the spring tides. You need to have your paddling arms in shape to surf at this time.

Le Miramar is the spot to head to when everywhere else is maxed out. From 2.5 to 3 metres of swell, you’ll get 0.5 to 1 metre waves here. Less swell than that and it’s flat. For the brown wetsuit brigade, it’s due to a sea trench directly opposite Capbreton called Le Gouf de Capbreton that absorbs a lot of the swell.

Kevin’s take:

Le Miramar in front of the Baya hotel for me is best when the surf is big the conditions are a bit messed up. Big peaks will come in around the port and these peaks turn into some great barrel rides in between the 2 piers. Had some amazing barrels here it’s super short rides , but intense. Works best with the in coming tide. Normally the last resort for the best surfers in town.

Santocha takes its name from the surf club up on the dune. It’s a great spot to head to when it’s too big further north. There’s a long right that kicks in by the groin and peels all the way to the Capbreton bunkers. These semi-submerged, graffiti embellished monstrosities are among the most photographed objects along this coast and when the sun’s setting and the waves are pumping, you can see why.

There’s also a left that cuts across the beach and spits you out at the groin. You need to take care you don’t leave it too late to pull out or you can quickly find yourself on the rocks. When the swell’s about 3 metres, you can surf waves of 1.5 to 2 metres. Watch out for currents that can be pretty powerful. Having said that, the rip running along the rocks is useful when paddling out.

Kevin’s take:

Santocha is the famous punchy barreling waves of Capbreton. Picture perfect breaking peaks and when it’s good, it’s great. This wave captures everyone’s imagination with the bowling peaks and WWII bunkers on the beach. When it’s pumping you can surf all day and get the most perfect waves of your life. Barrel after barrel and that’s all day long.

La Piste is Capbreton’s most famous wave and its notability is well-deserved. It’s a powerful barreling wave that on big days can rival La Gravière. And, like La Gravière it’s a fast, hollow shorey that breaks right on the beach into not a lot of water. In 2 to 3 metres of swell you need to be at the top of your game to paddle out here. When the waves are pumping La Piste is a spectacle to be seen. Be wary of the strong currents and the WWII bunkers that are never too far away.

You’ll find Les Océanides immediately south of La Piste. The beach is well signposted from the road. There are 2 waves that share the same characteristics. They both break close to the beach into shallow water and on good days can deliver beautiful tube rides. The best surfers can drop into true stand-up barrels. There’s no bunkers here, but the rips are ever-present, so best to spend some time observing before paddling out.

Kevin’s take:

Les Océanides is one of the best beachbreaks in the region when the conditions are right.

La Pointe is Capbreton’s southernmost surf spot, and you have to walk a little way to get there. As you’d expect it’s less crowded, but respect the locals all the same, it can get quite competitive at the peak. An A-frame peak can deliver a good left or right with a westerly or northwesterly swell, but get’s maxed out quicker than La Piste. It’s a super spot on a nice sunny day.

Kevin’s take:

La Pointe is a good beachbreak who can offer a perfect session when the conditions are on.

Places du stay

There’s lots of good surf accommodation close to the beach in Capbreton.

You’ll find everything from uber-cool surf camps to campsites near the beach and swanky hotels to homely B&Bs. Here’s a selection of our favourite places to stay in Capbreton.

This is box title

Wood’n Sea Surf Lodge – Capbreton

From 30 € per night

Located 5 minutes walk from the beach, Wood’n Sea Surf Lodge is an uber cool surf hostel with dormitory accommodation and private rooms. You can rent surfboards and bikes for reduced rates and in summer there’s yoga classes on the terrace. A fun and relaxed place to stay.

Korner Océan – Capbreton

From 80 € per night

A laid-back and stylish 3-star hotel located just 2 minutes from Capbreton’s amazing surf beaches. You can request a room with either a sea view or a view over the marina. The buffet breakfast including fresh bread and homemade jams will set you up for your morning surf.